Charlotte Anley facts for kids

Charlotte Anley (born in 1796, died in 1893) was an English writer. She wrote novels that aimed to teach moral lessons. She also wrote about social and religious topics. Besides writing, she was a composer and wrote song lyrics. As a Quaker, a type of Christian, she traveled to Australia from 1836 to 1838. She went there to research women's prisons for a report. This report was asked for by Elizabeth Fry, a famous prison reformer.

What Charlotte Anley Wrote

Charlotte Anley wrote several books. One of her early books was Influence. A Moral Tale for Young People (1822). This book was still liked by young readers even 20 years later. Another book was Miriam, or The Power of Truth. A Jewish tale (1826). She also wrote Earlswood. A Tale for the Times, and All Time (1852).

Her Books

Miriam was one of many novels from that time about people changing their religious beliefs. In this story, an American girl moves to Westmorland in England. She explores her faith and the idea of truth. The story was inspired by something Charlotte Anley read in a magazine.

In Earlswood, the main female character starts as a Protestant Christian. She then explores Catholicism, which has more rituals. However, she later realizes her original path was better and returns to it.

Charlotte Anley also wrote a report in 1841 about the conditions for women prisoners in Australia. In the same year, she published a 48-page essay called Essay on the Distinction between Body, Soul, and Spirit.

Music and Poetry

Anley also wrote poems and set them to music. One of her songs was The Harp of Bendemeer: a Ballad. Other songs listed in the British Library include God Is Light. Hymn (1824), which was called "a pure and solemn composition" at the time. She also wrote Rest Warrior... Song (around 1825), Oh Think not that this Heart is Gay. A Song (around 1825), and Sweet Bird Repeat that Strain (around 1874).

Her Life Story

We don't know much about Charlotte Anley's parents, where she was born on February 17, 1796, or where she went to school. We can only guess where she lived for much of her life based on clues from her books.

Early Life and Travels

The first edition of her book Influence was signed "C. A." from Forty Hill, Enfield, on February 9, 1822. The book Miriam was signed "C. A." from Newport, Isle of Wight, in February 1826. It was dedicated to Miss Curry of Clanville, a small village in North Hampshire. A "Miss C. Anley, Isle of Wight" was also listed as a supporter for a novel called Edward in 1826.

The 1853 edition of Earlswood was signed from Sidcup, Kent, on June 12, 1852. It was dedicated to "The Right Honourable the Countess of Ellesmere and to her revered mother, the Lady Charlotte Greville." Lady Ellesmere was the wife of Francis Egerton, 1st Earl of Ellesmere, who was a politician and supported the arts. Lady Ellesmere lived at Hatchford Park, near Cobham, Surrey.

Before she went to Australia, it was reported that Anley was visiting the spas at Carlsbad. While in Australia, she spent 15 months working as a governess for the important Dumaresq family.

Helping Prisoners in Australia

A modern expert noted that Charlotte Anley, who followed Elizabeth Fry's ideas, was very kind and understanding towards the most difficult women prisoners at the Paramatta Factory. Their positive reaction showed the "power of love." A historian of religion also mentioned that Anley "was surprised and thankful for having been 'so well received and so patiently heard'" at the factory in 1836. Both Protestant and Catholic prisoners listened with "perfect attention" to the story of the Parable of the Prodigal Son. They also happily accepted religious pamphlets.

Charlotte Anley passed away on April 6, 1893, in Bath, Somerset.

Find Her Books Online

• Earlswood; or, Lights and Shadows of the Anglican church. A Tale for the Times Retrieved 3 July 2015
• Miriam; or, The Power of Truth. A Jewish Tale Retrieved 3 July 2015
• The Prisoners of Australia. A Narrative Retrieved 3 July 2015